Glossary of Computing Terms

Transcription

1 Glossary of Computing Terms From the Skills Team, University of Hull Save time and search! This document contains many useful definitions for common computing terms. You can save time when using this document with the search tool within your reader. In Adobe Reader for example, you can bring this up by pressing the Ctrl and F keys at the same time. 3G 4G Term 3G, short for 3 rd Generation, is a term used to represent the 3 rd generation of mobile telecommunications technology. 3G introduced the first generation of mobile broadband. 4G, short for 4 th Generation, is a term used to represent the 4 th generation of mobile telecommunications technology. Seen as the next generation of mobile broadband, it offers superfast internet speeds that make it quick to use the internet on compatible phones, tablets and dongles. Accessibility ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) A characteristic of technology that enables people with disabilities to use it. For example, Acrobat Reader has an option which allows documents to be read out loud. A type of DSL that uses the majority of the bandwidth to transmit information to the user and a small part of the bandwidth to receive information from the user. This has the effect that downloading is usually quicker than uploading. Android Asynchronous Athens Attachment Is an operating system for smartphones. An online event in which people are not necessarily logged in at the same time. Asynchronous learning is self-paced and allows people to access information at different times - examples are CD-ROM materials and online course lecture notes. Contrast with synchronous. An access management system which provides users with access to numerous web-based services such as online databases and subject resources ( A file which is sent along with an message. Attachments can be text documents, photos, sounds, etc. Web: skills@hull.ac.uk

2 Audio conferencing Live voice-only communication between a number of different locations. Compare to video conferencing. Authoring tools Bandwidth Blended learning Blog (weblog) Bluetooth Blu-ray Disc (BD) Bookmarking Broadband Broadcast Software applications that are specially designed to let people create online learning modules that include media such as: text presentations, graphics, questions and links to other learning materials. Sometimes called authoring systems. The amount of information that a communication channel can carry. The greater the bandwidth, the faster the data transfer. The amount of data sent or received over any given time is limited by bandwidth and so file size is an important consideration for networks with a bandwidth. A combination of in-class and online learning activities. Also known as distributed learning. A website where one or more users post regular informal journal entries containing the comments and thoughts which normally reflect the views of the blog s creator(s). Blogs can be either public or private. A wireless networking technology using radio waves enabling users to send data and voice signals between electronic devices (such as smartphones or wireless keyboards) over short distances. An electronic data storage medium that uses optical technology for storing and playing back audio, video, text and graphics images. The Blu-ray Disc format is designed to supersede the DVD format as it offers a much larger storage capacity. The major application of Blu-ray Discs is as a medium for Playstation 3 games and video material such as TV series and feature films. Bookmarking is the act of storing a resource or web address for later retrieval. All modern browsers offer bookmarking facilities. There are also bookmarking websites that allow users to share their bookmarks between devices and/or other people. Delicious is an example of a bookmarking website. A transmission channel able to carry many signals simultaneously - the term is usually taken to mean the high speed transmission of data. Transmitting content to many people simultaneously - examples include satellite broadcasts and IP multicasting. Learners can take part in a learning event which is broadcast over the network from a single source. Live presentations such as classes or meetings can also be broadcast across the Internet. 2

3 Browser CD-ROM (compact disk read-only memory) A program that searches, locates and displays a particular piece of data. In particular, Web Browsers are used to display web pages obtained from the Internet. Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer are common web browsers. An electronic data storage medium that uses optical technology for storing and playing back audio, video, text, programs and other information in digital form. Chat An online, interactive, real-time communication which uses text to send and receive messages and generally the messages disappear when a session is finished. The environment in which the chat takes place is often called a chat room. Chat is an example of synchronous communication. Client computer Cloud computing Cloud storage Collaborative learning online Community of practice Computer assisted assessment (CAA) Computer-aided design (CAD) Computer-aided Manufacture (CAM) A computer that a learner uses for online learning. Cloud computing is the use of computing resources delivered over a network (usually an intranet or the internet). Users often access cloud based applications through their browser or other program. Cloud storage allows users to save their data by transferring it over a network (usually the internet). Cloud storage is useful if you are Linking together people by using technology in several locations so that they can interact with one another. Learning is coincidental in such a context. The concept of a community of practice refers to the process of learning that takes place when a group of people who have a common interest in some subject or problem collaborate usually over an extended period of time to find solutions and share ideas. The use of computers to assess the progress of students. Assessment usually takes the form of a questionnaire which students fill in (and it is then scanned into a computer) or students enter their responses directly into a computer. Computer-aided Design is the use of computers to create, analyse, modify or optimise designs. Computer-aided Manufacture is the use of computers to control machines related to the manufacture of designs. 3

4 Computer-based courseware (CBC) Computer-based training (CBT) Computermediated communication (CMC) Content item Content on demand (COD) Conversational framework Database Delivery Dial-up Digital games based learning Digital repository Educational software that delivers course material and instruction via computer. Training (or learning) which can be accessed by a computer. Also known as computer assisted learning (CAL), computer-based training and computer-based learning. Any form of communication between two or more people who interact via computers connected through a network connection using social software. Information stored in a database and used to communicate skills or knowledge. It can be in any media format, including text, graphics, animation, video, and audio. Availability, as required, via a network of an item packaged in a media format such as audio on demand (AoD) and video on demand (VoD). A framework for teaching and learning which defines the core structure of an academic dialogue. The premise for adopting this view is that teaching and learning is essentially a dialogue between teacher and students. Particular types of CBC, such as intelligent tutoring systems, can achieve a one-to-one conversation between a student and program with varying degrees of success. It is thought that the framework can significantly help in the design and development of CBC. An organised collection of data. Databases are usually organised into items called records and each record can have a number of categories called fields. Databases can be queried to find out specific information and the records can be sorted. Microsoft Access is an example of a database creation program. Any method of providing education. Methods include instructor-led training, Web-based distance learning, online laboratories, CD-ROMs, interactive TV, videos, and books. A connection between computers using telephone lines and a modem. Learning using computer games such as role playing, simulations or skills based games. The games are often enhanced by using sounds, graphics and animations. A central location where data, such as text, images, audio and video, can be stored and maintained. 4

5 Discussion forums Discussion list Distance education Distance learning Download DSL (digital subscriber line) DVD (digital versatile disk) E-book ebridge E-learning Electronic classroom Electronic whiteboard A place where people can exchange messages of common interest. Forums usually contain discussion lists grouped by theme. Also known as Discussion Boards or just Forums. An online conversation in which one person sends a question or comment to a list of people who have signed up for discussions on that topic. Respondents view the messages at their convenience and send replies to everyone on the discussion list. This is an example of asynchronous online communication. An educational situation where the students and the instructors are separated by time or location (or both). Delivery of distance education course can be achieved by using synchronous or asynchronous means such as chat, , teleconferencing and CD-ROMs. The desired outcome of distance education. To copy files to a user s computer (or other device) from another connected computer (or from the Internet). A broadband Internet access method for high-speed data transfer over telephone lines. An electronic data storage medium that uses optical technology for storing and playing back audio, video, text and graphics images. DVDs have a much higher capacity than CDs. Text and graphics that have been organised in electronic or computerised form and made available via computer. ebridge is the University of Hull s VLE. E-learning is a general term for education that is delivered with the assistance of electronic applications. Content can be delivered via the Internet, intranet/extranet, standalone computer, audio or video tape, satellite TV and CD-ROM. A classroom equipped with multimedia devices that are used to enhance learning. A whiteboard which is connected to a computer and usually requires a special type of pen. Electronic whiteboards can be used to capture electronically notes made on the board or to control and annotate computer-generated images (such as slides). Also known as interactive whiteboards. Short for Electronic Mail. Used to send messages between 5

6 End user Term E-portfolio Ethernet Extranet Facebook FAQ (frequently asked questions) Feedback Fibre-optic broadband GB (gigabyte) Graphical user interface (GUI) Handhelds (handheld devices) Hard-drive (HDD) computer users and usually requires having an account which has a unique address. can also be used to send materials such as documents as attachments. The person for whom a particular technology is designed. A personal digital record containing information such as a personal profile and a collection of achievements. Ethernet is a set of standards for local computer networking. Ethernet cables can be used to connect computers and other devices to network routers. A network that is only available to people chosen by an organisation which may include people outside of the institution. The largest social networking website. Facebook enables users to connect with one another, share media such as photographs and partake in micro blogging. A list of common questions that users may ask about a particular topic - especially helpful for new users. Interaction between the learner and the instructor or system which can increase the quality of the learning experience. Fibre-optic broadband is the transmission of data using pulses of light through optical fibre cables. It enables much faster transmission that traditional copper cables. Fiber-optic broadband is being rolled out as a means for consumers to connect to the internet at much faster speeds than traditional DSL. In Hull, Fibre-optic is being rolled out as KC Lightstream and is available in many locations in the UK. Check with your local providers. One GB is bytes or 1000 megabytes (MB). In terms of storage, one hour of standard (not HD) television or 114 minutes of uncompressed music is approximately 1GB. A user interface between a person and a computer that incorporates a variety of media, in particular text and graphics, that make it easier for the user to navigate their way through a system. Often icons will be used to represent actions within a system. Pocket-sized computer devices such as smartphones that are much smaller than desktop computers. A data storage device for storing and retrieving digital information. HDD drives are mechanically operated and consist 6

7 of one or more rotating disks coating with magnetic material which are read by moving magnetic heads. Also known as hard drive, hard disk or disk drive. Host HTML HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol) Hypertext Ict (information and communication technology) Instant messaging (IM) Interactive multimedia Internet Intranet ios IP (internet protocol) A computer system on a network that is set up to receive and distribute information to other computers. Short for HyperText Markup Language - used to structure text and images to create web pages which can be viewed with a browser. The protocol that manages how information is exchanged over the Web. Highlighted text in a web page which links the user to additional related information or other web pages. The technology, such as computers and software, needed to process, store and communicate information. Previously known as IT, the name has changed to reflect the growing use of communication technology (such as and chat). Also known as CIT (Computer and Information Technology) or ILT (Information Learning Technology). Instant communication between two or more people over a network. It is an example of synchronous communication. Instant messaging requires a piece of software in which a user can post a message which other users (who are also connected) can read instantly. MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and Google Chat are examples of instant messengers. Allows two-way interaction with multimedia course material, another computer, or another user with direct response to the input. Interactive attributes commonly include data or text entry, mouse input, touch screens, voice commands and video capture. The global network of regional and local computer networks which provides communication and application services. A network owned by an organisation that is usually only available to people working in that organisation. Is an operating system for smartphones. The international standard for addressing and sending data across the Internet. IPv6 is the latest version of internet protocol as the current version, v4 is running out of addresses. 7

8 Knowledge management Learning object repository Linkedin Local area network (LAN) Mailing list Managed learning environment (mle) MB Memory card Metadata Microblogging Microworlds The process of collecting, organising, analysing and sharing information held by individuals and groups within an institution. A digital repository which contains a number of reusable learning objects. An example is JORUM ( which is the JISC Online Repository for Learning and Teaching Materials. A social network for professional networking. A group of computers and devices (such as printers and storage devices) that are located in a relatively small area but can communicate and share information with each other across a network. A collection of names and ( ) addresses of people who have subscribed to a particular group. The purpose of a mailing list is to send out materials about a specific topic to the subscribers. There is usually an opportunity for people to share knowledge and ideas with others. A VLE in which there is a more of a focus on the management of the courses. One MB is bytes. In terms of storage, a 4 megapixel JPEG picture or 6 seconds of uncompressed CD music is approximately 1MB. A data storage device for storing and retrieving digital information designed for use in handheld devices such as cameras, smartphones and games consoles. There are many formats of memory cards the most popular being Memory Stick (Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick Duo Pro, Memory Stick Micro), Secure Digital cards (SD card, minisd, microsd), XD cards and Multimedia Cards. Literally means data about data and is information that describes another set of data. For instance, metadata about content items can be stored in and retrieved from a database. Microblogging differs from traditional blogs as the content is typically smaller. Microblogs allow users to exchange short sentences, links and images. Twitter is an example of a microblog. Three dimensional virtual environments ( worlds ) which operate by a certain set of rules. Students can learn by exploring and discovering facts about a microworld and students can also create their own identity in the world. 8

9 MMORPG Mobile internet MODEM (modulator/demo dulator) Multicasting Multimedia Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) MyAdmin Network Online Online community Online learning Open learning Open source Short for Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game, which allows thousands of players to participate in a virtual world at the same time over the Internet. Mobile internet refers to accessing the internet from a handheld device such as a tablet or smartphone. A device that converts signals and enables computers to interact with each other via telephone lines. The broadcasting of media from one computer to many - for example, sending an to a group of people. The combination of text, graphics (particularly using colours), video and audio used to create information that can be presented in an engaging and dynamic way. A standard way to send messages that include multimedia content like images, videos and sound to and from mobile phones. MyAdmin in the University of Hull s online administration interface and allows students to change their details, make payments, manage University accommodation, book Skills Team appointments and check results. ( A group of computers and peripherals (such as printers and storage devices) in several locations connected through wires, and telephone or cable connections. See also wireless network. The state in which a computer is connected to the Internet or another computer via a network. A meeting place on the Internet where people share common interests. Learning that uses material presented on a computer. An approach to learning in which students have control over their learning. For instance, students can decide what they learn, where they learn and the pace of their learning. Open learning commonly uses distance learning giving learners access to specific resources. Terms applied to software in which the original program, the source code, is made available to users so that they can access, modify, and redistribute it. 9

10 Operating system (OS) Outlook Web Access (OWA) An operating system is a collection of software that manages computer hardware resources, provides common services and provides common interfaces for computer programs. Microsoft Windows is an example of an operating system. Outlook web access is a website through which you can access your university . There is a mobile version available called Outlook Mobile Access (OMA). OWA: OMA: Pebblepad Pocked campus Portal Program Protocol Real-time communication Reusable learning object (rlo) Rich content Router PebblePad is an eportfolio and personal learning environment. It is used in some courses for assessment and learning and as PDP in some departments. Pocked Campus is a portal for Scarborough Campus students giving them access to room bookings and the latest news in addition to links to other university services. A web site that is a gateway to additional information on the Internet. The University of Hull Portal is a gateway to many University services. A set of commands that tell a computer how to perform specific tasks. A set of standards or procedures that allows the connection, communication and data transfer between two computers. IP and HTTP are protocols that are used on the Internet and the Web (respectively). Communication with little or no delay having the effect that interaction is synchronous. A reusable collection of information, such as overviews, summaries and assessments, which support specific learning objectives. Learning objects often contain metadata which allows them to be used in different contexts, such as on different computers and with different languages. This metadata also helps to classify and store learning objects in a digital repository. High quality course or web page material, often presented using advanced or sophisticated design techniques employed to emphasise the message or learning A router is a device that forwards data between computer 10

11 networks. Home routers usually have inbuilt modems and act as the connection between computers and other devices to the internet. Routers with inbuilt Wi-Fi capabilities are often known as wireless routers. RSS (Really Simple Syndication) Self-paced learning SENDA Server computer Shibboleth Simulation Skills 4 Study Campus Smartphone SMS (short messaging service) Allows users to subscribe to websites that have feeds - information which is sent out regularly. RSS is typically used for news websites allowing subscribers to receive short summaries or headlines with links to full articles. Learning that is done asynchronously, such as from CD-ROMs or over the Internet without an instructor, where the user controls the flow of course material. The Special Educational Needs and Disability Act was set up in 2001 to replace the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) with the effect that it is unlawful for institutions to discriminate against students with a disability. Governing bodies of institutions could be held legally liable for any failures to abide by the act. Large capacity central computer which most users within an organisation have access to and which is used to store data and software applications. A system that enables organisations to build environments that allow users to access web-based resources using a single login. A software application which is designed to model real scenarios and allows users to participate and experience without risk. Skills 4 Study Campus is a fully interactive e-learning resource designed to help students develop the study skills they need. University of Hull students can login via Athens: A smartphone is a mobile phone built on a mobile operating system, with more advanced computing capability and connectivity than a feature phone. Service available on most mobile phones that allows users to send short messages to other mobile phones. Some other handheld devices and even some landline telephones also have SMS capability. Social networking A social network is an online service that enables users to build 11

12 Social software Solid-state drive (SSD) Standalone computer Streaming Synchronous TB Technologybased instruction Teleconferencing Turnitin Twitter Upload URL (universal networks and social relations among people they know, who share interests or backgrounds. Software that allows people to communicate or collaborate by using a computer network and that supports group interaction. Examples include instant messaging and chat. A data storage device for storing and retrieving digital information. SSD are use circuit assemblies to store data persistently and are therefore more resilient to drops and knocks as they have no moving parts. USB flash drives are a form of SSD. A computer that is not connected to a network. A technique where media (such as audio or video) is downloaded to a user's computer in a continuous stream and played upon arrival. An online event in which people are all logged in at the same time and communicating with one another. Contrast with asynchronous. One TB is 1 trillion bytes or 1000 gigabytes (GB). Training through media other than the classroom - it includes not only using computers, but also television, audio tape, video tape and print. Video or audio conferences conducted over telecommunications channels such as telephone lines, local area networks and the Internet. See audio conferencing and video conferencing. Turnitin is an online submission system that allows students to submit assignments over the internet. Turitin provides mechanisms to allow departments to check for plagiarism and to provide feedback online. You should always follow departmental guidelines on submission as you may also be required to submit a paper copy. Twitter is a popular microblogging website. To send a file from one computer to another. Compare to download. Address of a page on the World Wide Web. 12

13 resource locator) USB (Universal Serial Bus) USB flash drive User interface Video conferencing Virtual Virtual classroom Virtual community Virtual learning environment (vle) Virtual Research Environment (VRE) Visualisation tools Voice over ip Web page Web-based Universal Serial Bus is an industry standard connector for use with computers, computer peripherals, handhelds, smartphones and other devices such as cameras and games consoles. There are a number of different connectors available. A data storage device for storing and retrieving digital information designed for portability. Also known as Pen drives, USB sticks, memory sticks and flash drives. The components of a computer system that a person uses to interact with the computer - such as the screen display, the keyboard and the mouse. Live video and audio communication between a number of locations. Not physically existing as such but made to appear to do so by software. An area where students and instructors interact online. See online community. A software system for the organisation of online educational courses. Services such as resource banks, links to websites and communication tools are often provided in a VLE. A set of tools and systems used to enhance the process of research both within and between institutions. In particular, VREs can be used for research administration, the creation and analysis of data, collaboration and storage of research publications. Tools which are used to create images, diagrams or animations so that information can be displayed visually. For example in medicine, a 3D image of a brain can be constructed by using 2D image scans. Voice transmitted digitally using IP and so allowing two people to talk using their computers. This method avoids the fees which are charged by telephone companies. A HTML file or document which is part of a website and usually viewed with a browser. Education or training delivered over the Internet and accessible 13

14 training (WBT) Website Wi-fi (wireless fidelity) Wiki Wireless network (wireless) World wide web (www) WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) using a browser which may incorporate the use of an instructor or facilitator. A set of files stored on the World Wide Web. A website may consist of one or more web pages. Most companies now provide a website so that consumers can obtain information and advice. For example, the BBC has an extensive website at bbc.co.uk. A trademark for sets of product compatibility standards for wireless local area networks. Wi-Fi allows devices to connect to local area networks and was developed for use in mobile devices such as laptop computers and smartphones. It is now also used in desktop computers, so removing the need for network cables. A web application that allows users to add content and also to edit content created by other users. An example is Wikipedia ( which is a free online encyclopedia. Wireless networks are telephone or computer networks that use radio rather than cables to carry information. Wireless networks can be used in public places enabling users with suitable laptops to connect to a network. The collection of users and resources on the Internet that use HTTP. Often just called the Web. A program that allows users to see computer text and graphics on screen exactly as they will appear when printed or published online. References This document has been prepared with the assistance of the following online glossaries: All web addresses in this leaflet were correct at the time of publication. The information in this leaflet can be made available in an alternative format on request. skills@hull.ac.uk 14